| About Skiathos
Skiathos is the
most popular of the Sporades, the islands
to the east of Volos and north of Evia. It
has much to offer people of all ages and nationalities
most of whom find themselves returning year
after year. The island is actually the extension
of the wooded Mount Pelion and the scenary
reflects this. Skiathos is a green island
with forests and abundant water. There are
fig, olive, plum, and almond trees as well
as grapes.
There are over 60 beaches
in Skiathos, all sandy including Koukounaries
rated 7th best beach in the world and best
in Greece. Also Banana Beach just around the
headland. This is the island's only Naturist
Beach and is fantastic and very sheltered.
Check out the Cantina at the naturist end
of Banana or just sit and watch the sunset.
Most of the beaches are easy to get to by
bus or moped as they are mostly found on the
only main road on the Island. Others include
the fantastic Lalaria beach which is accessable
by excursion boat. There are all manner of
water sports available at most of the beaches
and even a diving center. As a rule, the closer
you are to town the busier the beach will
be. If you are looking for serenity go inland.
Walking in Skiathos is
wonderful. The green and mountainous interior
are worth all the effort. Check out Kounistras
Monastery in the hills behind Troulos for
a cooling mid day drink and simple food. A
lady called Roula takes care of the place.
She is very poor and lives only on what she
makes from the sale of candles so give what
you can. Also worth seeing are the ruins of
Kastro which can be reached by excursion boats,
and the Evangilistria Monastery, a haven for
revolutionaries during the war for Independence
against the Turks. It is said that the first
Greek flag was flown here. It is located among
pine and cyprus trees in a beautiful and dramatic
setting and can be walked to from town if
you are of reasonably good health.
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